Attention tea lovers! Despite the very good reputation of this drink for health, certain types of teas are in reality “false friends” not recommended by experts. We will explain everything to you !
Known for its many virtues, tea is a herbal infusion rich in polyphenols. It has both an antioxidant action, prevents cardiovascular diseases, fights against stress and constitutes a real ally against obesity since it plays a role in the oxidation of fats. It is therefore not for nothing that it is, after water, the most consumed drink in the world! However, some of them, mainly sold in supermarkets, would actually be false friends if you want to take advantage of these benefits. Discover the types of teas to avoid in stores.
Flavored teas… without fruit
Although very trendy, flavored teas are not necessarily the best in terms of composition. Nutritionist doctor Jean-Michel Cohen confides to Marmiton that “certain teas and herbal teas contain more aromas than physically identifiable constituents, this is the case for certain infusions with red fruit, mint, apple-cinnamon or even cupcake flavors!”.
It is therefore strongly recommended to check the composition of the tea by reading the product label. If the flavors appear first in the list of ingredients, this is not a good sign and it is better to choose another tea!
“Detox” teas to (supposedly) lose weight
With the promise of making you lose weight in no time and guaranteeing you a flat stomach, these slimming teas turn out to be a real scam!
On the other hand, certain plant mixtures could still promote digestion. This is particularly the case for valerian and chamomile infusions. Although these teas can be an ally in weight loss, it is nevertheless imperative to combine their consumption with a healthy diet and regular physical exercise!
Tea-based drinks (actually very sweet)
In supermarkets, you can also find tea-based drinks. If you think you're consuming them to benefit from the virtues of tea, think again! The expert nutritionist reminds Marmiton that some of these products “are not simply the combination of several plants but real sweet drinks in which sugar is often found as the first ingredient”. They therefore have nothing to do with tea and will absolutely not give you the same benefits. Furthermore, due to their high sugar content, you should consume them occasionally, or rather make them yourself.
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Some tips for drinking tea
Drink the tea directly after infusion
Are you used to preparing a large quantity of tea to serve you throughout the day? However, this is not the best way to benefit from the benefits of tea! Indeed, it is better to drink your cup as quickly as possible because “the polyphenols disappear after an hour after infusion”, reveals the nutritionist doctor. So, even if it is less practical, it is more interesting to prepare your cups one after the other!
Opt for loose tea
While teas sold in bags are composed solely of broken tea leaves, when sold in bulk they are in the form of whole leaves. Result: they are of much better quality! Furthermore, favoring bulk also allows you to reduce your waste emissions. A good way to do something for the planet!
Limit theine
When consumed in excess, theine can have arousing effects, especially if you are sensitive to it. So, depending on the time of day and your sensitivity, opt instead for infusions that do not contain theine.
Drink tea away from meals
Tea contains tannins, in other words compounds that limit the absorption of iron by the body. Thus, Dr. Jean-Michel Cohen advises: “if you have a high consumption, it is better to take it away from meals or to counterbalance this effect by focusing on foods rich in vitamin C”.
Slide: The 10 benefits of tea
